Dhaka, Bangladesh Hotels and City Guide

Dhaka - Travel Tips

Dhaka Traveller’s Tips

Social Etiquette

While visiting someone’s home, it is customary to sit cross-legged on cushions or the sofa. If a visitor wishes to bring a gift, money must not be given as it may be misinterpreted as a gesture of offence. Religious traditions should be respected and adhered to. For instance, women should not be specifically photographed unless it is certain that there will be no objections. Women should wear trousers or long skirts; revealing clothes should be avoided, particularly when visiting religious sites. Clothes are generally informal for men.

Photography

In rural areas, people are becoming more accustomed to tourists; although it is mandatory that permission is granted before photographs are taken of individuals. Do not photograph military installations. The people of Dhaka are very polite and extremely hospitable to visitors, but it’s necessary to remember that they are also very superstitious.

Visas

The government of Bangladesh often refuses admission and transit to Israeli nationals. A passport valid for three months after departure is required from travellers. Visas must be obtained by all visitors with the exception of nationals from Bahamas, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Guyana, Honduras, Lesotho, Malawi, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Vatican City and Zambia for stays of up to 90 days.

Visas are not required by Bangladesh nationals or by former Bangladesh nationals that hold British passports, provided they have the statement 'no visa required for travel to Bangladesh' stamped in their passport by the Bangladesh High Commission. Any traveller staying beyond the allotted period may be charged a fine for each day of overstay.

Currency

Bangladeshi currency is known as Taka (Tk). Notes are available in denominations of Tk 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 poisha.

All foreign currency exchanged must be entered on a currency declaration form. Hotel bills must be paid in a major convertible currency or through traveller’s cheques. Many shops in the cities will offer better rates of exchange than the banks.

If your journey to Dhaka is only a short spree, make sure you get an official receipt from the money changer when you are getting your Bangladeshi Taka. Without that receipt, you cannot change the Taka back into a 'transportable' currency.

Credit Cards

It is recommended that travellers verify with their credit or debit card companies concerning details about merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Tipping

Most establishments anticipate a tip but the amount expected can vary. For example, it is recommended to give 10% while at a restaurant and a 5% tip for taxi drivers.

Electricity

220 / 240 volts AC, 50Hz; plugs are of the British 5- and 15-amp, 2- or 3-pin (round) type.

Health Risks

A yellow fever certificate is requested from all travellers including infants upon arrival by air or sea within six days of departure from an infected area, or a country dealing with an outbreak, or a country where the World Health Organisation judges yellow fever to be endemic or present; or has been in such an area in transit; or has come by an aircraft which has come from such an area and has not been properly disinfected.

One of the most alarming health risks in Bangladesh is Malaria, but Dhaka has proved to be an exception where outbreaks are minimal.

All water sources should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice must first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk generally is not pasteurised, and therefore should be boiled before consumption. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Travel Documents

Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with you. Keep all travel tickets in a safe place.

Stolen Property

If your money, passport or anything else is stolen, report it at once to the local police. Obtain a police statement about the loss: you will need one to claim your insurance.

In the case of money theft, immediately telephone your bank at home to transfer money or to cancel your credit card using the relevant 24-hour emergency number.

For theft of traveller's cheques, contact the issuing agent.

For theft of tickets, see your tour representative or airline agent.

Respect the Environment

Be environmentally friendly and preferably, choose products that are biodegradable and carry a water filter bottle to cut down on plastic waste.

Help preserve local wildlife and habitats by respecting rules and regulations. Be aware that purchasing any wildlife souvenir is highly risky (If in doubt don’t buy!). Study the UK Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Souvenir Alert Campaign, which highlights the pitfalls of buying wildlife souvenirs abroad and also trade hotspots.

Customs throughout the world confiscate illegal souvenirs and in the UK you could face criminal prosecution and unlimited fines.

Holidays

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 21 Eid ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Feb 10 Islamic New Year
Feb 21 International Mother Language Day
Mar 26 Independence Day
Apr 14 Bangla New Year
Apr 21 Eid-e-Milad-un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
Apr 29 Buddha Purnima
May 1 Labour Day
Sep 1 Shab-e Barat (Ascension of the Prophet)
Oct 11 Durga Puja (Dashami)
Oct 30 Shab e-Qadr (Evening of Destiny)
Nov 3-5 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Nov 7 National Revolution Day
Dec 26 Victory Day

Clothing

Lose fitting garments that are made from light cottons and linens are suggested throughout the year. Warmer clothes are needed in the evenings during the cool season. Waterproof-textiles are necessary during the monsoon season.

Hotels in Dhaka, Bangladesh